We must strengthen the partnerships and coordination with the regional organization, make their voices be heard in the Security Council. It is about time to bring our cooperation with the regional organizations at a new level. Only by working together in different levels can we close the huge gap between what has been achieved on paper, and the implementation of the WPS agenda on the ground. Especially vital is this cooperation in context of recent military coups and seizure of power by force, where we have witnessed national commitments on Women, Peace and Security abruptly interrupted.
“The OSCE is playing a vital role in this regard. Our approach is a whole historic one. We put women’s leadership in peace process and post conflict reconstruction and reconciliation” she mentioned.
Minister Xhaçka stressed that recent events around the world have drastically affected the perspectives of women’s organizations, leading in some cases even in the termination of concrete commitments of this agenda.
“There is a simple reason. Women’s equality is a question of power and today’s political deadlocks and conflicts, are just the latest examples of how enduring are continuing to fail us”, he concluded.
Participating at the debate, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Gutierrez mentioned that there was a consensus among member states on the importance of the agenda, but stressed that the situation in reality was moving on the opposite direction.
To the EU Ambassador for Gender and Diversity, Stella Ronner-Grubačić, more attention is needed to include the views and positions of women in political dialogue.
OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid stated that the role of women in peacebuilding and conflict resolution remains essential in these challenging times.
UN Women Executive Director Sima Sami Bahous said that in countries in conflict women and girls are standing out for themselves, risking their lives as leaders in their communities, as heads of households, as peacekeepers and mediators.
The “Women, Peace and Security” Agenda is one of Albania’s top priorities during its work in the Security Council.
The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Olta Xhaçka, chaired the high-level debate of the Security Council on “Women, Peace and Security” agenda, with the participation of senior representatives of the UN, UN WOMEN, OSCE, EU, etc.
